LSU football needs a big year from the offense in 2025. The Tigers took a step back in 2024, but that was expected after LSU put up record numbers in 2023.
Garrett Nussmeier was up and down in his first year as the starter. Meanwhile, the run game struggled to continue its dominance without the dual-threat capabilities of Jayden Daniels.
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But LSU finished the year on a high note. Nussmeier’s final three games were near perfect. Nussmeier announced a return for his fifth year and LSU began loading up in the transfer portal. LSU added experienced wide receivers Barion Brown and Nic Anderson. On the offensive line, LSU signed Braelin Moore and Thompson.
Those additions, paired with Nussmeier’s return and a plethora of young talent, have Baton Rouge buzzing about what this offense can do in the fall.
Spring practice offered us our first preview of the unit. With spring ball in the rearview mirror, it’s time to take a look at where LSU stands entering the Summer.
Here are five things we learned about the LSU football offense in spring practice.
LSU’s offensive line is beginning to sort itself out
LSU entered the spring with big question marks on the offensive line. The room is loaded with talent and signed two experienced transfers, Josh Thompson and Braelin Moore, but we had no idea who would play where.
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Spring practice helped answer those questions…somewhat.
Tyree Adams is the overwhelming favorite to start at left tackle. He played 139 snaps in 2024, but started in the Texas Bowl after Will Campbell opted out. Adams, who will be a redshirt sophomore, struggled but showed progress. He was a top-200 recruit in the class of 2023, and that talent began to show this spring.
At center, the competition is between Moore and returning starter DJ Chester. Moore brings a wealth of experience from Virginia Tech, but LSU is making Moore earn that job. Chester got a a lot of work at first-team center in spring practice, but many expect Moore to eventually win the job.
Chester also got reps at guard. If Moore is LSU’s center, Chester has a good chance at a guard spot.
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A big development was the emergence of Weston Davis and Coen Echols. Both were blue-chip recruits in 2024 but didn’t see much action as true freshmen. Now, Davis saw a heavy portion of the starting right tackle reps while Echols was quick to see first-team reps at guard. Both look ready to contribute this fall.
However, Davis and Echols will have to fend off Thompson, who arrived midway through the spring after finishing the academic quarter at Northwestern. Thompson is one of LSU’s top transfers and is expected to start somewhere on the offensive line. Thompson’s versatility gives LSU options when it comes to maximizing the young talent.
Thompson can slide in for Davis or Echols if they aren’t ready to be a full-time SEC offensive lineman.
There’s a lot to be figured out, but we have a clearer picture of what the unit looks like.
Wide receiver room is deep and fast
LSU made an effort to sign top receivers in the transfer portal, adding Barion Brown and Nic Anderson. There was a hole at the position with four of LSU’s five leading receivers from 2024 moving on. Though LSU returns its top receiver from last year, Aaron Anderson.
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The Tigers struggled to develop a vertical passing game in 2024. This room looks more equipped to get that going in 2025. Anderson and Brown are two of the fastest players in the SEC. Veteran deep-threat Chris Hilton Jr. is back, too.
Hilton’s health is big for LSU’s offense. He missed the 2024 offseason recovering from an injury and struggled to find his footing upon returning. The switch clicked as 2024 came to a close and LSU discovered a new dimension on offense.
Adding to the mix, Oklahoma transfer Nic Anderson averaged over 20 yards per catch when he was healthy in 2023.
The wide receiving core is no longer a question mark. Depth and speed put this room near the top of the SEC.
LSU committing to building a stronger run game
LSU’s run game wasn’t there in 2024. There were flashes, but LSU ranked 82nd nationally with 4.1 yards per carry. A big step back after LSU’s rushing game was among the best in college football in 2022 and 2023.
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Kelly said young running backs were still learning last year, which played a role in the step back.
“It’s about committing to it. And I think there’s just much more of a commitment to it in everything that we’re doing, from Alex (Atkins), who is the run game coordinator, to Coach Sloan, seeing the importance of what we need to be physical up front. I think it’s just a mindset that we lacked at time last year, that we’ve really worked hard at building,” Kelly said.
LSU running back Caden Durham surpassed 1,000 total yards as a true freshman in 2024. Durham returns and RB Kaleb Jackson impressed this spring after seeing limited reps in 2024. The Tigers also signed five-star RB Harlem Berry. That group of running backs, along with added emphasis from the coaching staff, has LSU’s run game trending up leaving the spring.
Transfers making an impact
LSU signed one of the best transfer portal classes in the sport. The Tigers need new additions to make an impact on both sides of the ball. The staff liked what it saw in spring practice.
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“There isn’t a player right now that has disappointed,” Kelly said.
“Each one of them has shown us something that says they can contribute and help our football team team.”
Kelly said nearly every transfer has a presence on LSU’s two-deep depth chart. LSU feels like it added immediate impact players across the board, who will contribute in a multitude of ways.
“To immediately jump into a two-deep situation with all of those guys and factor into what we’re doing, I would say that we’re very pleased with all of them,” Kelly said.
LSU won’t be afraid to be creative on offense
With Joe Sloan entering his second year as play caller and the addition of run game coordinator Alex Atkins, LSU won’t be stale on offense.
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LSU moved Ju’Juan Johnson to quarterback. Johnson has played defensive back and running back in his time with LSU and gives Sloan a dynamic option in the QB room. LSU explored getting Johnson involved in different packages to boost the run game.
Having athletes like Zavion Thomas and Aaron Anderson allowed LSU to mix it up. Don’t be surprised to see those two get involved in the run game as LSU does whatever it can to get the ball to its playmakers.
At Florida State, Atkins built one of CFB’s best rushing units around counter and misdirection. He’s now brought that same approach to LSU.
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: LSU football: 5 things we learned about offense in spring practice
